In Loving Memory of Douglas “Doug” Perkins

Wednesday, March 13, 1957 – Tuesday, August 4, 2026

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His greatest prayer was that every member of his family would know the Lord and that they would all meet again in Heaven.

Douglas “Doug” Perkins of McRae, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the age of 69. While his passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, his family finds comfort in knowing he is finally Home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Doug was born on March 13, 1957, in Anniston, Alabama, to Joe Perkins and Kathleen Dix, both of whom preceded him in death. He was raised in Anniston, where he learned the values of hard work, integrity, faith, and service that would define the rest of his life.

At just 17 years old, Doug answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. Over the next 26 years, he faithfully served his nation, retiring with the distinguished rank of Sergeant Major (SGM). He began his military career as a Motor Transport Operator before transitioning into the Chemical Corps.

Doug was a proud combat veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, serving honorably during one of the defining military operations of his generation. His military service reflected the courage, discipline, and selfless commitment that characterized his entire life. He loved mentoring Soldiers, leading by example, and serving something greater than himself. The Army wasn’t simply his career—it was his calling. Even after retirement, his love for the military never faded. Anyone who knew Doug could expect to hear his unmistakable “HOOAH!” wherever he went. He remained a Soldier at heart until his very last day.

Following his retirement from military service, Doug continued dedicating his life to helping others. As a Personal Financial Representative with Allstate, he took great pride in helping families prepare for life’s most difficult moments. He understood that no amount of money could replace a loved one, but he found purpose in ensuring families would be financially protected when tragedy struck. He viewed his work not as selling insurance, but as caring for people when they needed it most.

Doug’s heart for service naturally led him into public office. As the Telfair County Commissioner for District 3, he was deeply committed to the people of his community. He believed every citizen deserved to have their voice heard and worked tirelessly to represent the interests of Telfair County District 3 with honesty, transparency, and compassion. Helping others was never just something Doug did—it was simply who he was.

Above every title he ever held—Soldier, Commissioner, or Financial Representative—Doug was a man of unwavering Christian faith. A devoted member of Helena Baptist Church, he loved worshiping the Lord and sharing his faith with everyone around him. Gospel music filled countless miles as he drove from one client appointment to another, praising God along the way. His faith wasn’t something reserved for Sunday mornings; it was woven into every aspect of his life.

Doug lived life with enthusiasm and purpose. He loved to travel and embraced every new adventure. He loved hard, gave freely, and never hesitated to help someone in need. His smile was contagious, his laugh unforgettable, and his generosity knew no limits.

Of all the blessings God gave him, none meant more than his family.

He cherished his children, adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved every opportunity to spend time together. Above all, he loved his wife, Reba, with his whole heart. She was truly the love of his life, his greatest companion, and his faithful partner through every season.

While Doug loved all of his family, the last several years of his life were filled with countless treasured moments and travel adventures shared with Reba, his daughter, Chris, her husband, Cameron, and their children, Bridget and Cameron II. They faithfully stood beside him through life's joys and challenges, ensuring he was never alone. The love, laughter, and time they shared together were among his greatest blessings, and their devotion will forever remain a cherished part of his story.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife, Reba Perkins; his daughters, Rachel Vess (Jeremiah) and Christina “Chris” Wheeless (Cameron); his grandchildren, Autumn Templeton (Dustin), Timothy Ward, Brittany Gallahar (Chris), Bridget W. Harbin (Travis), and Cameron “Bubba” Wheeless II; his great-grandchildren, Marsella Ward, Grayson Gallahar, and Blakelee and ShaeLynn Templeton; his siblings, Rose Luker, Randy Williams, Tami Porter, Teri Harris, and Kristi Saxon; his stepchildren, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Perkins and Kathleen Dix; his beloved daughter, Kathleen “Kathy” Measles; and his siblings, Judy Grayson and Timmy Perkins.

Doug had a way of leaving an impression on everyone he met. Whether through his leadership, his humor, his encouragement, or simply his smile, he believed people should always leave better than they arrived. His favorite sayings became a reflection of how he lived:

“Always leave them smiling.”

“Always make them remember you.”

Without question, he lived by every one of those words.

Perhaps the question that mattered most to Doug was one he asked his children and grandchildren throughout his life:

“Will I see you in Heaven?”

Nothing was more important to him than knowing his family had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and that they would one day be reunited for eternity. His greatest prayer was that every member of his family would know the Lord and that they would all meet again in Heaven.

Known by many names—Doug, Dad, Youngpa to his grandkids, and Top to his Soldiers—each reflected a special role he held in the lives of those who knew and loved him. Doug will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful Christian, respected community leader, trusted friend, proud American Soldier, Desert Sheild and Storm veteran, and servant to everyone fortunate enough to know him. His life was defined by service—to his country, his community, his clients, his family, and his God.

While our hearts are broken, we rejoice knowing Doug has reached the destination he spoke of so often. He is no longer burdened by pain or illness. He has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and has entered into the presence of the Savior he faithfully served throughout his life.

“Will I see you in Heaven?”

Until then…

HOOAH.

Funeral Service

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11 AM in the Chapel of Lowes Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service from 10 AM to 11 AM. Reverend Roswell Chapman will officiate, assisted by Bro. Randy Warren. Interment with Military Honors will take place at Chattanooga Veterans Cemetery on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 2 PM.

In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Doug's honor to The Gideons International, an organization Doug faithfully supported because of its mission to share God's Word throughout the world. Doug believed deeply in the life-changing power of Scripture, and a gift to The Gideons International is a meaningful way to continue the ministry that was so close to his heart.

Those wishing to make a charitable gift may also make a memorial donation to the Compassus Living Foundation, in appreciation for the compassionate care, comfort, and dignity provided by the dedicated team at Compassus Hospice in Dublin during Doug's final days.

The family sincerely appreciates the love, prayers, and understanding of all whose lives Doug touched. More than anything, the family asks that you honor Doug’s memory by living with the same faith, generosity, and servant’s heart the defined his life. 

You may express your condolences online at lowesfuneralhome.net.

Lowes Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.